Combination lock and switch



Oct. 25, 1966 wAHEl KATAYAMA ET AL 3,281,549

COMBINATION LOCK AND SWITCH 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 28, 1963 I NVENTORS W/ME/ A44 T4 Y/M m Kwsu/(E A4974 m Q m m Oct. 25, 1966 WAHEI KATAYAMA ET 3, 3 9

COMBINATION LOCK AND SWITCH 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 28, 1963 a M S fl Y Ma N y M w WM w n 4 N M 7. K AA H w 5 a w 2 M5 cL /C L United States Patent 3,281,549 COMBINATION LOCK AND SWITCH Wahei Katayama, 34 Suehiro-cho, l-chome, and Kinsuke Katayama, 268 Yuge, Shiki-cho, both of Yao, Osaka-in, Japan Filed Feb. 28, 1963, Ser. No. 261,626 Claims priority, application Japan, June 12, 1962, 37/151,621 11 Claims. (Cl. 200-43) This invention relates to switches and more specifically to a novel and improved switch useful, among other things, as an electrical control switch for vehicles such as automobiles, boats, motorcycles and the like.

Vehicular electric circuits and particularly ignition circuitry of a combustion vehicular engine are gene-rally controlled by the utiliziation of a key switch to permit the circuits to be energized only by the insertion of a proper key into the switch in much the same manner as the operation of a lock. This procedure has numerous disadvantages since the ignition key can be lost or mislaid and the switches can be operated by the utilization of a duplicate key or by other devices for jimmying the lock. Accordingly, one of the objects of the invention is to provide a novel and improved ignition switch utilizing rotary locking means into which a particular combination of numerals is inserted in order to actuate the switch and thereby avoid the necessity of a key.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved ignition switch operated by a so-called combination lock which affords a relatively large number of different combinations not attainable with the utilization of keys.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a novel and improved combination lock for an ignition switch which includes means for actuating an alarm circuit if the lock is operated by one who does not know the specific figure combination for normal operation of the lock.

Still another object of the invention resides in the provision of a novel and improved ignition switch with a combination lock and including means for illuminating the 'dial on the lock to facilitate operation of the lock.

A further object of the invention resides in the provision of novel and improved switching means for operation of such circuits as an alarm circuit, dial illuminating circuit, engine ignition circuit, engine starting circuit, etc. Through a novel and improved arrangement of elements, a single knob is utilized for the operation of the several circuits, though the ignition circuit and the engine starting circuits are operable only after a predetermined combination of figures is introduced into the combination lock.

Still another object of the invention resides in the provision of a novel and improved control switch for automotive engines and other purposes.

The above and other objects of the invention will become more apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings forming part of this application.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the switch in accordance with the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 22 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIGURE 1 taken'along the line 3--3 thereof.

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIGURE 2 taken along the line 44 thereof.

FIGURE 5 is a diagrammatic view of the switch elements of the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGURES 1-4, together with an electrical circuit operated thereby.

The switch in accordance with the invention is contained within a cylindrical housing 1 of metal or other suitable material. One end of the housing is closed by a cylindrical element 2 extending beyond the housing 1 to form a flange-like structure and having a central opening 11 substantially smaller than the diameter of the housing. The portion of the housing 1 adjoining the end wall 2 is provided with a threaded portion 4 for the receipt of a cooperating nut 3 for attachment of the switch to a supporting surface such as the dashboard of a car or the like. A cylindrical insulating element 5 is fixedly disposed within the outer housing and adjoin-s the end wall 2. A rotatable body 6 also of insulating material is disposed within the cylindrical element 5, the latter having a bottom portion 5a with longitudinally disposed holes 76 extending therethrough. The upper end of the rotatable member 6 extends through the opening 11 in the wall 22 and carries a circular knob or dial 15.

The rotatable element 6 is provided with a central opening through which a shaft 8 extends. The upper end of the shaft carries a cover plate 18 fixed to the edge of plate 2, a washer 25, a locking ring 26 and an operating knob 24 having an indicator 23 formed thereon. The lower end of the shaft 8 extends through a central opening 9 in the bottom of the element 5 and carries an arm 7 which is securely fitted to the shaft.

The upper end of the rotatable element 6 has a section 12 of reduced diameter which closely fits the opening 11 in the plate 2. The outwardly extending portion 13 of the element 6 may be of polygonal configuration for cooperation with a corresponding polygonal opening 14 in the circular element or dial 15. The dial 15 is preferably formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material and has a plurality of numerals 16 preferably disposed on the rear surface as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, numerals 1 through 12 are illustrated though it is evident that any number of numerals may be employed. The dial 15 may be knurled about its peripheral edge 17 or provided with other suitable means that facilitate rotation as will be described. rotation of the dial 15, the cover plate 18 is further provided with a window or opening 20 which will expose one of the numerals on the dial at a time. If desired, a cylindrical lens 21 may 'be secured to the window to permit the use of a larger number of smaller numerals and thereby provide a materially increased number of combinations that may be used for the switch.

Illuminating means is provided for the display of the numerals in the Window 20 and this is attained by pro jecting light through a small opening 27 in the plate 18 as Will be observed in FIG. 3. More specifically, an elongated opening 28 is formed in the body 5 and positioned in registration with the opening 27. The hole 28 accommodates a small electric lamp 30 seated in a socket 29. The lamp is urged against the inside edge of the opening 27 by a spring 31 between the bottom of the opening 28 and the bottom of the socket 29. One of the terminals of the socket 29 is connected to a contact 33 disposed on the underside of the bottom element 5a of the cylindrical body 5 by means of a lead 32. The other terminal of the socket is grounded to the outer housing 1 by a conductive element 34 in the side wall of the opening 28. With the foregoing arrangement, when the vehicular battery is connected between the casing 1 and the contact 33 as will be described, the bulb 30 will provide illumination of the numerals 16 which facilitates their observation through the lens 21.

In order to further facilitate- The central rotatable element 6 described above carries a cylindrical element 35 of conducting material and having a plurality of depressions 36 formed about its upper edge. The number of depressions 36 corresponds precisely to the number of numerals carried by the dial 15. In the instant embodiment of the invention, the dial carries twelve numerals and therefore the element 35 would be provided with twelve equally spaced depressions 36.

A conductive ring 37 is loosely fitted about the lower portion of the cylindrical conductor 35. The conductor 35 is further provided with an opening 38 in the lower portion thereof as may be observed in FIG. 3 and a movable contact-or 39 is disposed within the opening 38 and electrically connected to the central shaft 8. The physical arrangement of these elements will also be observed in the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 5.

The conductive ring 37 is provided with a plurality of depressions 40 and a cutout 40a which can be moved into alignment with the opening 38 previously described. The total number of depressions 40 including the cutout 40a is equal to the number of numerals carried by the dial 115 which in the instant embodiment of the invention is twelve. A pin 41 extends from the upper end of the conductive ring or body 37 and a cooperating pin 42 is provided in the central portion of the cylindrical conductor or body 35 as may be observed in FIG. 3. From the foregoing description, it will be understood that when the dial 15 is rotated, the cylindrical body 6 as well as the conductive ring 37 is rota-table therewith, and the cooperation of the pins 41 and 42 will enable positioning of the conductive ring 37.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the insulating body within the housing has a radially disposed opening 43 formed in the inner wall, and it carries a cylindrical element carrying a ball 45. A spring 47 is disposed between the cylindrical element or carrier and a metal contactor 58a in the base of the opening 43. The ball 45 engages depressions 46 in the cylindrical element 35. The contacting element 58a is connected to an external terminal 58 by means of a rod 57, the latter passing through a base 50 of insulating material which fits the bottom of and closes the housing 1. Since the ball 45 in cooperation with the depressions 36 offers certain mechanical resistence to rotation of the element 35, by properly aligning the depressions 36 with the numerals 16, the positioning of the numerals in the window 21 is greatly facilitated.

The insulating body 5 is provided with a second radially disposed opening 44 formed in the inner surface thereof as may be observed more clearly in FIG. 2. This opening carries a metal ball 46 and a cooperating spring 48 to cause the ball to be urged against the depressions 40 or the gate 40a of a conductive ring 37. The ball 46 forms an electrical contact with respect to the ring 37 or the electrode 39 as the case may be and prevents random rotation of the conductive ring 37 when the pins 41 and 42 are not in engagement when the conductor 35 is rotated. While it is preferable to use the balls 45 and 46, it is of course possible to use any other type of resilient electrodes. Other alternatives may also be utilized, as, for instance, the provision of the ball 45 for providing mechanical positioning of the ring 37 and then the utilization of appropriate contacting electrodes for contacting the conductor 35. Similar arrangements may also be utilized in connection with the conductive ring 37.

The bottom 50 of the switch is provided with a pair of arcuate electrodes 51 and 52 as will be observed more clearly in FIGS. 2 and 5 and a third contact or electrode 53 positioned in a cutout formed in one end of the electrode 52 as shown in FIG. 5. The electrodes 51, 52 and 53 are connected to terminals 54, 55 and 56 on the outside of the bottom member 50. These terminals 54,

55 and 56, together with the terminals 58 and the hous-,

ing 1, constitute the electrical connections necessary for connecting the switch to a cooperating electrical system.

The arm 7 carried at the lower end of the switch 8 as previously described is formed of insulating material and has a pair of oppositely disposed arm portions 59 and 60 and two relatively short arm portions 61 and 62 which extend substantially at right angles to the long arms. The arm 59 has an opening extending therethrough. Contacting elements 63 and 64 overlie the upper and lower ends of the opening 65 and are urged apart by means of the spring 66. With this arrangement, the electrode or contact 63 is pressed against the contact 45 disposed on the bottom of the cylindrical element 5 and the contact 64 is urged against the arcuatecontact 51 on the back cover 50. The switch arm 60 carries a leaf spring contacting element 67 on the underside thereof, the spring being secured to the bottom end of the shaft 8 by means of a suitable screw and extending outwardly beneath the arm 60. An opening 68 in the arm 60 houses a suitable spring 69 which urges the outer end of the arm 67 downwardly to make contact with the contacts 52 and 53. The short arms 61 and 62 are provided with longitudinally disposed openings 70 and 71 which carry springs 72 and 73 and balls 74 and 75 respectively. The balls are urged upwardly against the underside of the cylindrical element 5, a bottom 5a of which carries a multitude of longitudinal holes 76 disposed on the same radius as the openings 70 and 71 in the arm 7. In place of the holes 76 depressions may be' used for the receipt of the balls. With this arrangement, when the knob 24 is rotated, the balls 74 and 75 will impart mechanical resistance and mechanically position the knob in predetermined locations. Furthermore, ac cidental rotation of the shaft is prevented during adjustment of the dial 15 as previously described.

Referring now to FIG. 5, which illustrates both the electrical circuitry for use in connection with the switch as well as the operation thereof, let it be assumed that the battery 77 is a vehicular battery for use in starting and operating the vehicle. The terminal 54 of the switch is connected to one side of the battery 77 while the other side of the battery is connected to ground and to the case 1 of the switch. The terminal 55 of the switch is connected to one side of the ignition and lighting circuits 78, While the terminal 58 is connected to an alarm circuit 80 which may consist of a bell or other suitable means. The terminal 56 is connected to the engine starting circuit 79. The other side of each of the foregoing circuits is of course returned to the ground side of the battery 77. In many instances, it will be necessary to operate the automotive circuits through intervening relays and this is particularly the case in connection with engine starting. Relays may of course also be used in connection with the ignition and lighting circuits should the current be heavier than that for which the switch is designed.

In the operation of the switch as described above, the knob 24 is operated to shift the indicating mark from position 81 as shown in FIG. 1 to position 82. When the' indicating mark 23 is at position 81, the electrodes 63, 64 and 67 are positioned in alignment with the central line or axis 85, and they are not in contact with any of the associated contactors such as 33, 49, 51, 52 or 53 as previously described. When the knob is shifted to position 82, the arm 7 is rotated in a clockwise direction to the dotted axes 82a and 82b. In this position, the contact 63 engages the contact 33 on the bottom of the cylindrical body 5 and the contact 64 engages the contact 51 on the back cover 50. Under these conditions, current flows from the battery 77 through terminal 54, electrodes 51 and 64, spring 66, contacts 63 and 33 and the lead wire 32 to the socket 29 to illuminate the lamp 30. When the lamp has been illuminated, the dial 15 is manually operated to turn it clockwise to bring the first predetermined numeral into view in the window 20. The dial is then turned in an opposite direction to bring a second predetermined numeral in alignment with the window 20. The switch now is in a normal condition.

It is understood that any other selected combination may be employed to place the switch into this normal condition. The combination of the first and second numerals on the dial are arranged to be specific for each switch and the switch will not be placed in a normal condition unless the proper combination of numerals are inserted on the dial. The principle of this operation is similar to that of the so-called combination lock used on switches.

When the switch is in the normal position, the ball 46 engages the electrode 39 through the gate 48 of the conductive ring 37. When the switch is not in the normal position, the ball 46 engages one of the other depressions 40 in the conductive ring 37 or it contacts the cylindrical conductor 35 through the gate 40a.

The knob 24 is then shifted from position 82 to position 84 as shown in FIG. 1. The arm 7 is now rotated in alignment with the diagonal axes 84a and 84b as shown in FIG. 5 which places the contact 63 in engagement with the contact 49 on the bottom of the insulating body 5. It also places the contact 64 in engagement with the contact 51 on the back cover 50 and the contact 67 in engagement with the contacts 52 and 53 on the back cover 50. At this time, if the switch is in the normal condition, through proper operation of the dial 15, electric current from the battery 77 flows from terminal 54 through contacts 51 and 64, spring 66, contacts 63 and 49, the ball 46, contact 39, shaft 8, the contact spring 67, contact 52 and the terminal 55 to the engine ignition and lighting circuits 78. At the same time, energy is applied through the contactor 67 to the electrode 53 and the terminal 56 to the engine starting circuit 79. Should the switch have been in an abnormal condition at this time, the ball 46 would not be in contact with the electrode 39 but rather with the cylindrical conductor 35 or the conducting ring 37. In either case, current would have then flowed from the ball 46 through the cylindrical conductor 35, the ball 45, the rod 57 and the terminal 58 to the alarm circuit 80 and thereby produce a visual or audible indication or alarm that the switch has been incorrectly operated. When the knob 24 has been moved to the position 84, it will be observed from the foregoing discussion that the circuit of the lamp 30 is automatically disconnected.

After the engine has been started under the normal condition of the switch as described, the knob 24 is then shifted from position 84 to position 83 as shown in FIG. 1. At this time, the spring 67 of the arm 7 remains in contact with contact 52 on the back cover 50, which maintains the ignition and lighting circuits but opens the circuit to the starter 79. With the switch in this position, the normal driving condition of the vehicle is maintained.

If the engine is to be temporarily stopped, the knob 24 is moved from position 84 to position 81 thereby interrupting energy to the ignition circuit 78. To restart the engine, the knob 24 need merely be rotated to position 84 to start the engine and then shifted back to position 83 for operation. If the dial 15 has been moved in the interim, however, it would be necessary to bring the switch to the so-called normal operating condition in the manner previously described.

While only one embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it is understood that alterations, modifications and changes may be made without departing from the true scope and spirit thereof as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A switch comprising a first rotatable cylindrical body of conducting material having a cutout at a selected position on its periphery, a second rotatable cylindrical body of conducting material including an insulated electrode forming part of the periphery thereof, said second body being aligned with and movable relative to the first body and said electrode, individual pin means carried by each body, the last said means being cooperable in selected relative positions of said bodies to transfer rotary motion therebetween, means for rotating one of said bodies, a contact operable to selectively engage said electrode and said bodies in selected positions of said bodies, means for connecting said contact to one side of a source of energy, means for connecting said electrode to a load to be energized by said source, and circuit means for connecting said bodies to an electrical actuated alarm to be energized by said source.

2. A switch according to claim 1 wherein said second body is axially aligned with and disposed at least partially within said first body.

3. A switch according to claim 1 including a dial having numerals thereon and coupled to one of said bodies for imparting rotation thereto.

4. A switch according to claim 3 wherein said dial is coupled to said sec-0nd body.

5. A switch according to claim 4 wherein said dial includes a polygonal opening and said coupling includes a polygonal element carried by said second body and engaging the opening in said dial.

6. A switch according to claim 3 including a cover overlying said dial, said cover having cutout portions about its periphery to facilitate rotation of said dial and a window for individually viewing said numerals.

7. A switch according to claim 3 including a cover overlying said dial, said cover having cutout portions about its periphery to facilitate rotation of said dial and a Window for individually viewing said numerals, wherein said dial is formed of light transmitting material and said switch further includes means illuminating said dial in the vicinity of said window.

8. A switch according to claim 2 including a shaft extending through said bodies and in axial alignment therewith, a switch arm carried by said shaft, said shaft and arm being rotatable independently of said bodies, first switch means operable by said arm and connected to open and close said electrode circuit and second switch means operable by said arm and connected to open and close said contact circuit.

9. A switch comprising a first rotatable cylindrical body of conducting material having a cutout at a selected position on its periphery, a second rotatable cylindrical body of conducting material including an insulated electrode forming part of the periphery thereof, said second body being aligned with and movable relative to the first body and said electrode, individual pin means carried by each body, the last said means being cooperable in selected relative positions of said bodies to transfer rotary motion therebetween, means for rotating one of said bodies, a contact operable to selectively engage said electrode and said bodies in selected positions of said bodies, circuit means for connecting said contact to one side of a source of energy, circuit means for connecting said electrode to a load to be energized by said source, and circuit means for connecting said bodies to an electrical actuated alarm to be energized by said source, said second body being axially aligned with and disposed at least partially within the first body, a shaft extending through said bodies and in axial alignment therewith, a switch arm carried by said shaft, said shaft and arm being rotatable independently of said bodies, first switch means operable by said arm and connected to open and close said electrode circuit, second switch means operable by said arm and connected to open and close said contact circuit, a dial coupled to said second body for rotation thereof, an electric lamp for illumination of said dial, a connection between said lamp and said source of energy, third switch means connected in circuit with said second switch means and said lamp and operable by said arm to selectively complete the lamp and contact circuits.

10. A switch according to claim 9 wherein said load adapted to be energized comprises the starting and ignition circuits of a vehicle and said first switch means includes an arcuate contact member adapted to be connected to the ignition circuit, an auxiliary contact adapted to be connected to said starting circuit and a wiper arm connected to said electrode whereby said switch arm is operable to selectively close said starting and ignition circuits and said ignition circuit alone.

11. A switch according to claim 10 including a housing enclosing said bodies, arm, switches and lamp and wherein said dial overlies one end of said housing and is provided with an arcuate array of numerals and said shaft extends through the center of said dial and carries an operating knob, said switch further including a plate overlying said dial and having a window therein for viewing said numerals as'the dial is rotated, said lamp being positioned within said housing to illuminate the numerals on the dial viewed through said window.

References Cited by the Examiner Rieckman 307-40 ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Primary Examiner.

L. MCCOLLUM, Examiner.

L. R. CASSETT, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A SWITCH COMPRISING A FIRST ROTATABLE CYLINDRICAL BODY OF CONDUCTING MATERIAL HAVING A CUTOUT AT A SELECTED POSITION ON ITS PERIPHERY, A SECOND ROTATABLE CYLINDRICAL BODY OF CONDUCTING MATERIAL INCLUDING AN INSULATED ELECTRODE FORMING PART OF THE PERIPHERY THEREOF, SAID SECOND BODY BEING ALIGNED WITH AND MOVABLE RELATIVE TO THE FIRST BODY AND SAID ELECTRODE, INDIVIDUAL PIN MEANS CARRIED BY EACH BODY , THE LAST SAID MEANS BEING COOPERABLE IN SELECTED RELATIVE POSITIONS OF SAID BODIES TO TRANSFER ROTARY MOTION THEREBETWEEN, MEANS FOR ROTATING ONE OF SAID BODIES, A CONTACT OPERABLE TO SELECTIVELY ENGAGE SAID ELECTRODE AND SAID BODIES IN SELECTED POSITIONS OF SAID BODIES, MEANS FOR CONNECTING SAID CONTACT TO ONE SIDE OF A SOURCE OF ENERGY, MEANS FOR CONNECTING SAID ELECTRODE TO A LOAD TO BE ENERGIZED BY SAID SOURCE, AND CIRCUIT MEANS FOR CONNECTING SAID BODIES TO AN ELECTRICAL ACTUATED ALARM TO BE ENERGIZED BY SOURCE. 